Chapter 2: Says Misaka-10000

The room stretched out before him, an expansive space that seemed to defy the limits of his perception. It towered 15 meters high and spanned 50 meters by 50 meters wide. The walls were a pristine white, gleaming under the bright lights above. The air felt clean and sterile, lacking any distinct smell. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the soft footsteps of other girls nearby. Sitting on the cold floor, he drew his knees close to his chest, his eyes fixated on the unfolding scene, before him. "I feel like I'm losing my mind...S-Says Misaka as she tightened the grab around her feet" Just a few hours ago, he had been carefree, walking his way home without a worry. But, because of his luck, and his unnecessary curiosity, he got involved in something that he had nothing to do with. And as a result, he was killed—or at least, that's what he believed had happened. "Haa~ sighed, Misaka as she bemoaned about what had happened" His gaze wandered around the white room, taking in the sight of numerous girls donning the familiar Tokiwadai Middle School uniforms. They wandered. Rows and rows of them and they all looked just like her, the ranker 3 level 5 esper, Misaka Mikoto. The only noticeable difference was their long hair, contrasting with the original's short one. Shifting his focus to the smooth, polished floor beneath him, he caught a glimpse of his reflection staring back. He was no exception. Now, he or she had become just another clone, indistinguishable from the original. But, that wasn't the only concern plaguing his mind. He had died, but he had no idea how much time had passed since then. It could have been mere minutes, hours, or several days and weeks. The uncertainty weighed heavily on him, his biggest problem. M-Mother... Father...Says Misaka with sadness" Back then, When his mother received the news of the accident he was exposed to. She refused to leave the hospital without him. She became resolute in her decision, refusing to eat or drink until she could see him safe and sound. The only time she would consume anything was when exhaustion overcame her. and she would eat just so she could remain awake and alert while waiting for him. And the case wasn't better with his father, taking on the same role in the waiting game, stepping in whenever his mother needed sleep or had to be away from his recovery room. He feared that if they received the news of his death, they wouldn't be able to stand it. He couldn't bear to imagine how it would impact his mother, especially with her weak heart. "Misaka serial number 9999, it's your turn. Please proceed to the examination room," a voice resonates through the speakers, shattering the silence within the pristine white room. Without delay, one of the clones began walking toward a door located at the far end of the room. In some inexplicable way, since awakening in this new body, he had become aware of his serial number—10000. "ha ha ha laughed, Misaka as she realized the coincidence" A robotic laughter escaped his lips. He found irony in how his name, Ichiman, literally meant 10000. Setting aside those thoughts, his turn was coming up soon. It was his opportunity to uncover what exactly was happening. Countless questions were swirling in his mind. Firstly, how did he end up in this body? He had a theory Back to the moment when he was shot by the clones and tumbled onto the lifeless body of one killed by Accelerator. At that instant, when his hand came into contact with the clone's blood, he felt a powerful electric shock surge through his entire being. That was the last thing he remembered, or rather, the memory he didn't forget, as he sensed that he had forgotten something of utmost importance, something intricately linked to his current state of existence—a forgotten dream. His second question was why were there clones of Misaka Mikoto? Cloning had been strictly forbidden within the confines of Academy City. Intensifying the puzzle surrounding their existence. Why were they created? What purpose did they serve? The third was, "Why can't I speak normally as I used to... Says Misaka as she hits the floor in defeat" After each sentence, he couldn't help but add, "Says Misaka." And to make matters worse, he could no longer use the pronoun "he", instead compelled to use third-person pronouns—"she." "Misaka series number 10000, it's your turn. Please proceed to the examination room, "The voice echoed through the speakers once again. Responding to the call, he rose from his position and made his way toward the entrance of the examination room. With every step, he could feel the gaze of the other clones fixed upon him. He felt a strange sense of camaraderie. Though their lips remained sealed, he could swear that he could hear them speaking to him, wishing him good luck. Stepping into the room, he found himself immersed in an environment that radiated a blend of scientific precision and advanced technology. The walls were adorned with high-resolution monitors, displaying intricate graphs and data streams. The hum of machinery filled the air, accompanied by the soft glow of ambient lighting that bathed the room in an otherworldly ambiance. Taking a moment to survey the surroundings, he noticed a team of scientists clad in pristine lab coats, their eyes focused intently on him. Without delay, one of them took a step forward, his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin. "Is this the one?" he inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Yes, sir. This is the abnormal clone, serial number 10000. Despite not receiving any information or emotions from the Testament machine like the other clones, she displays signs of independent thought and awareness of her surroundings. Moreover, her electroencephalogram readings are unlike any clone we've encountered before." "Hmm, how intriguing. It's a shame to let such valuable test subjects go to waste. Nevertheless, let's proceed with the examination. We don't have much time to waste" "Roger!!" "..." Leading the way, they guided him to a specially designed diagnostic station. The station featured an array of monitors, sensors, and apparatuses, each serving a specific purpose in unraveling the intricacies of his being. The first test involved a thorough physical examination. As he stood before the team of scientists, they meticulously measured his height, weight, and body proportions, comparing them to the baseline data obtained from the original Misaka Mikoto. "99.99999999999987% similarity. Pass," Next, they moved on to an analysis of his electrical esper powers. He was connected to a series of electrodes that adhered to strategic points on his body. The team monitored the flow of electricity through his nervous system, mapping the pathways and evaluating the potency of his abilities. "Focus your energy, Clone 10000, and Channel it through your body and project it onto the designated target." Momentarily confused, he pondered his predicament. After all, this body did not originally belong to him. However, given the fact that he now inhabited the form of the ranked 3 level 5 esper, it was only natural to expect the presence of electrical powers. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, concentrating his focus. After a few moments of intense concentration, arcs of brilliant blue lightning crackled from his fingertips, illuminating the room with their ethereal glow. The scientists closely observed and recorded his power output, analyzing its intensity and comparing it to the signature abilities of the original Misaka Mikoto. "0.000043%, 43,257 volts. Complete analysis: Electromaster, level 3," "level 3...whispered Misaka as she raised her head in happiness" The significance of this achievement was not lost on him. Despite spending the past two years striving to improve his abilities, he had remained a level 2 esper with a seemingly mundane power. But now, in this new body, to hear the scientists declare him a level 3 electromaster—it stirred something within him. Even though he was no longer in his original form, the feeling of accomplishment surged through him, bringing a sense of fulfillment. The tests continued, encompassing cognitive assessments, memory recall exercises, and psychological evaluations. After what felt like twenty long minutes, he was finally given the go-ahead to leave. They guided him towards a different door, leading to a room that resembled a barber's salon. With careful precision, they trimmed his hair short, giving him a fresh look. Then, they handed him a bag containing something he would need later, along with a set of special goggles designed to track electrons and an earpiece to maintain communication with the scientists. "Code 10000, do not remove the earpiece. Limit your interactions with others. You have a two-day respite before your next assignment as a reward for your forthcoming sacrifice. Remember, any attempt to rebel will result in elimination," one of the scientists cautioned. He nodded, accepting the instructions without further questions or protests. With his bag slung over his shoulder, the earpiece in his ear, and goggles on his head, he exited the room, leaving behind the sterile environment of the facility. Stepping outside, he was greeted by a breath of fresh air and the warm touch of sunlight that filtered through the narrow hallway. It appeared to be early morning, the city just beginning to awaken. Casting a final glance at the imposing iron door behind him, he made his way toward the bustling main road. "To think that such activities take place in the heart of the city... What a life, says Misaka as she tries to improve her mode" Lost in his thoughts, he walked along the bustling street, contemplating his next move. He was well aware of what awaited him after those two days of calmness, thanks to the haunting images he had witnessed that fateful night. The threads of a larger scheme were slowly intertwining, revealing the bigger screen. "Fighting the stronger esper in Academy City, says Misaka with worried sweet on her face" He didn't know what was the point of all of that, given how most clones ranged from Level 2-3, it was obvious that they were being sent to their doom. It was evident that their lives held no value in their eyes. That means whatever the reason behind it, it has something to do with the accelerator himself. But what exactly was it? He had no clue. Pushing those questions to the back of his mind, he focused on the inevitable death that awaited him. Running away would only lead to the same fate. That means If he wanted to survive, he needed to come up with a plan to defeat the strongest esper ever. "ha ha ha laughs Misaka as she hears the joke" Talking was far easier than actually accomplishing it. Especially when he knows what the accelerator is capable of. Ever since he had learned about the Level 5 espers in Academy City two years ago, He had dedicated a significant amount of time to studying the capabilities of each Level 5 espers. He would meticulously analyze their abilities, crafting vivid and intricate imaginary battles against each one. It was his way of bringing excitement to the mundane. But, amidst all his simulations, he had failed to pinpoint a logical weakness when it came to Accelerator himself. The only scenario in which he could conceive a logical weakness for Accelerator was through exploiting his ego. Letting an exhausted sigh, he shifted his eyes to the post-clock. "9:23 AM, Monday, 17/5/2018. Just half a day has passed since then...whispers, Misaka as she read the date and time" Turning his gaze towards the shop window beside him, he took a moment to observe his new appearance. Shoulder-length brown hair that matched the color of his eyes, dressed in a Tokiwadai Middle School uniform. Naturally, she was a beautiful girl, everything about her body seemed perfect, except for one thing. "Flat.... says Misaka with an unexplained feeling of defeat." Having read gender-bender stories in the past, such as "Boku Girl," "Kampfer," "Saga of Tanya the Evil," and the classic "Ranma 1/2," he hadn't been opposed to the idea of a gender swap in the faction. However, experiencing it firsthand was an entirely different story. The absence of his manhood down there was a shock to him, and what was to come felt even worse. But in his current situation, it was the least of his concerns. Letting out yet another sigh, perhaps the fourth or fifth of the day, he was about to resume his aimless walk. However... Just as he was about to take the first step, something caught his attention, and his heart skipped a beat. Through the shop window, his gaze landed on a prominently displayed item in the games section—a large, furry frog doll. "What is this feeling? Says Misaka as she grabs her chest" Collecting figures had been his hobby for quite some time. His room was adorned with characters like Muramasa, Guts, Saber, Aizen, Goku, and many more. However, mascots had never held much appeal to him. Yet now, an intense desire to possess this doll welled up within him, surpassing anything he had ever felt before. He shifted his gaze to the price tag. "53000 yen ($373.67)? That's a scam, says misaka as she walks away in frustration." "..." But... He turned around. He entered the store. He bought the doll. He left the store, hugging the plush frog in his arms. "...What just happened? says misaka as she feels a mix of confusion and happiness washing over her" Checking his skirt pocket, he realized he still had 57,000 yen ($401.88) left. He wasn't certain if it would be enough for the next two days, considering his upcoming plans. With the fluffy frog doll securely in his arms, he wandered along the bustling street. "Now i have to find a way to communicate with my parent, and also to see if news of my death has spread in the city, says Misaka, as she tried to come up with a plan" Just as she contemplated her next move, fate seemed to align in her favor. Her eyes caught sight of a familiar face across the street. The spiky black hair was a clear indication of who he was. "Perfect! says Misaka as she approaches her old classmate" ... Part 2 There's a saying that claims waking up early brings good fortune. But for him, it's hard to tell if that applies. When he finally woke up, it was already 9:03 AM, even though he had school at 8:00. His alarm seemed to have mysteriously stopped working. "...Such misfortune," muttered Kamijou as he gazed at the three propellers of a wind turbine glittering in the morning sun. Having missed the bus, he trudged along through the scorching shopping district that seemed to go on forever. A security robot passed by him as he did. It was also a drum on wheels and it functioned as something like a walking security camera. They had originally been improved versions of robot dogs, but children would gather around them and block their path. For that simple reason, all the work robots had been made into drum container shapes. "Oh, there you are. Can I have a minute of your time? I have some questions, Says Misaka politely" The summer heat had done Kamijou in, so he just stared at the slowly moving security robot and thought about how Index had run off after a cleaning robot. "Excuse me, I'm talking to you, says misaka as she feels slightly annoyed" "Hmmm?" Finally, he realized that voice was calling out to him. It was a middle-school-aged girl. Her shoulder-length brown hair glowed a flame-red in the sunrise. She wore a gray pleated skirt, a short-sleeved blouse, and a summer sweater... At that point, he suddenly realized who she was. "...Oh, it's you again, Biri Biri, a middle schooler." "Biri Biri? Anyway, can you answer some questions? asks Misaka as she is politely again" "Heh, Biri Biri being polite? Is this the end of the world? And what's with the new way of talking?" "..." Silence hung in the air for a moment, and then he felt a tingling sensation, a warning that he had reached a boundary where one wrong move could, His face might pay for it. "So, what kind of questions do you want to ask?" he cautiously inquired, eager to change the subject. "Do you know someone named Ichiman? If I'm correct, he's one of your classmates, says misaka hoping for a satisfied answer" "Hmm, Ichiman... Yes, I believe so. We're in the same class. Why do you ask?" "Have you heard anything about him... during hmm, the past week? Says Misaka as she tries not to be suspected" "Nope, No idea, I rarely talk to him in the first place, Why? Has something happened?" "Oh, no, nothing at all. Can I make a call on your phone by the way? Says Misaka hoping for you to accept her request" "...Well, sure. Here you go. Just don't keep the call too long. I don't have much balance left, and I'm broke as hell right now," he cautioned, handing her the phone. With a nod of gratitude, he took the phone, a weight of worry lifted from his shoulders. It seemed they had covered up his death as he had anticipated. All that remained now was to ensure his parents didn't worry about him in the meantime. As he dialed the number, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mixed with a tinge of anxiety. The call connected, "Hello? Who is this?" and a familiar woman's voice echoed from the other end. "Ah, yes. My name is Misaka Mikoto. I'm a friend of your son, Ichiman—" "Ah, has something happened to him? I've been trying to reach him the whole night, but his phone is out of coverage. Is he okay? Nothing has happened, right? Please—" "It's okay, ma'am" he cut in. "Nothing has happened. I'm calling to let you know that he accidentally dropped his phone in the water, and it's currently being repaired. He'll have it back in three days, so you don't need to worry if he doesn't answer your calls. That's all I wanted to say. I hope you have a good day, ma'am, says misaka..." "Wait, I still have more—" Before she could finish her sentence, he abruptly ended the call. A single tear threatened to escape his eye. With a trembling hand, he wiped his eyes and turned to face Touma, returning the phone to its rightful owner. "Thank you for the call. I'll see you later now, says misaka as she expresses her gratitude with a bow, before leaving" As he watched the girl retreating, confusion etched on his face, he found himself scratching the back of his head. "What was all that about?" Glancing at the nearby clock post, his eyes widened in panic. "9:41! Oh, crap! I'm late!" He swiftly turned and sprinted in the opposite direction, desperate to make up for lost time.